Edwardsville mayor vying for seat Haine is giving up

Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton has entered the race for state senator in the 56th District, according to Alton's Advantage News.

Patton is hoping to replace Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who has decided to not seek re-election.

Patton announced his run following state Sen. Bill Haine’s decision to not seek re-election.

“I am running for the state Senate in order to use my business and leadership experience to get Illinois growing again,” Patton said, according to the Advantage News. “For over a decade, Illinois has suffered from some of the worst legislative-driven bureaucracy in the nation. It is time to solve our financial problems and stop wasting our residents tax dollars.”

Patton has been Edwardsville's mayor since 2013, and he boasts of creating thousands of private-sector jobs, balancing the city’s budget every year and tripling investment in the city.

“That’s been my record as mayor of Edwardsville, and I am excited for the opportunity to bring that same pro-growth agenda to Springfield, in an effort to get our state back on track,” Patton said.

Patton is also the owner of Patton Dental and has been a health-care provider for more than 23 years.